Current Openings

Lateral Attorney Candidates

The firm is always interested in hearing from talented attorneys with experience in any of the firm’s practice areas. If you don’t see a position specific to your experience posted below, you are encouraged to submit your hiring materials and express your interest here: Lateral Attorney Application

First-Year Associate Candidates

Most of the firm’s first-year associate hiring needs are filled by way of our Summer Associate Program. You may submit your materials to our applicant tracking system for consideration in the event an opportunity becomes available here: First Year Associate Application

Recruiting Professionals/Agencies

Professional recruiters and search/placement firms must have signed terms and conditions on file with Downey Brand prior to submitting candidates.


Sacramento

Mid-to Senior Level Associate Attorney – Commercial Litigation and Bankruptcy

Date Posted: March 17, 2025

Downey Brand LLP is seeking a highly skilled and motivated mid-to-senior-level associate attorney to join our dynamic Bankruptcy and Litigation group in Sacramento. Our bankruptcy attorneys represent a diverse range of stakeholders in high-stakes insolvency matters across multiple industries, including real estate, agriculture, retail, energy, manufacturing, and more. This is a unique opportunity to work on complex Chapter 11 cases and commercial litigation while developing your career in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

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Why This Role is a Unique Opportunity:

High-Impact, Diverse Work:
As a member of our Bankruptcy and Litigation group, you’ll engage with cutting-edge legal issues and play a key role in high-profile cases. You will represent debtors, creditors, committees, fiduciaries, asset purchasers, and other stakeholders in complex insolvency matters. Your work will span multiple industries, giving you a broad, deep understanding of the bankruptcy landscape and its far-reaching implications.

Career Growth and Development:
We are committed to helping our attorneys reach their full potential. You will be exposed to challenging and intellectually stimulating cases, as well as opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. This position offers you the chance to develop your advocacy skills, from drafting motions and handling discovery to representing clients in contested matters and adversary proceedings. Your growth will be supported by experienced partners who are dedicated to your success. Our associate base compensation is lockstep, determined by your class year, substantive experience, and geographic location. The salary for this role ranges from $167,000 – $195,000, with bonus consideration based on performance and productivity.

Collaborative, Supportive Culture:
At Downey Brand, we foster a collegial environment where collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and mutual respect are paramount. You’ll be joining a team of experienced professionals who are committed to your development and provide hands-on mentoring. We offer a hybrid work environment with flexibility to work remotely part of the time, ensuring you can excel in your role while maintaining personal well-being.

Key Responsibilities:
• Handle all aspects of Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases, including motions, contested matters, and adversary proceedings
• Represent clients in complex commercial litigation and insolvency-related disputes
• Manage discovery and law and motion practice in both bankruptcy and commercial cases
• Develop and maintain client relationships, offering strategic legal counsel
• Participate in business development activities and firm-wide initiatives

What We’re Looking For:
• 3-6 years of experience in bankruptcy and commercial litigation, with a strong background in discovery and law and motion practice
• A distinguished academic record and exceptional research, writing, and verbal communication skills
• Strong public speaking and advocacy skills
• Bankruptcy clerkship experience is a plus
• Active member of the California State Bar
• Desire to work in a collaborative, growth-oriented environment

Compensation and Benefits:
• Competitive base salary and bonus potential
• Access to top-tier training, mentoring, and development opportunities
• Clerkship bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid work environment with flexible remote options
• Relocation bonus for out-of-town candidates
• An environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to do their best work

How to Apply:
If you are ready to take the next step in your career and work in an environment that supports your professional growth while offering interesting and challenging work, we want to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a recent writing sample that demonstrates your analytical skills through the firm’s web application.

Downey Brand LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No telephone calls or email applications, please.

Submit Resume

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Senior Associate – Water Litigation

Date Posted: March 17, 2025

Are you an experienced attorney with a passion for environmental and water law? Downey Brand LLP is seeking a talented attorney with 5-8 years of experience to join our esteemed Water Litigation Practice Group. This is a unique opportunity to represent both public and private sector clients statewide, tackling complex and impactful legal matters that shape water policy, rights, and environmental protection.

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What We Offer:

Engaging, High-Impact Work:
As an Associate in our Water Litigation team, you’ll handle a diverse and challenging caseload that spans both state and federal court. Your work will include representing clients on high-profile water-related issues such as:

• Water rights and supply
• Flood control law and federal reclamation law
• Public agency law, NEPA, ESA, and CEQA compliance

Your work will involve litigating complex cases, drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, and arguing motions, all while collaborating with experienced partners and clients. You’ll be at the forefront of pivotal legal matters that directly affect communities and industries across California.

Career Growth & Support:
We recognize the importance of investing in our team members’ professional development. You’ll receive robust mentorship, hands-on training, and opportunities for growth within a collaborative and dynamic environment. Our associate base compensation is lockstep, determined by your class year, substantive experience, and geographic location. The salary for this role ranges from $185,000 – $215,000, with bonus consideration based on performance and productivity.

Hybrid Work Environment & Flexibility:
At Downey Brand, we understand the importance of a balanced professional and personal life. We offer a hybrid work environment with flexibility to work remotely part of the time, ensuring you can excel in your role while maintaining personal well-being.

Relocation Support:
We are open to candidates outside the Sacramento area and offer a relocation bonus to help with the transition.

Who We’re Looking For:
The ideal candidate will have:
• A distinguished academic background
• A proven track record of litigation experience, including drafting pleadings, conducting discovery, and arguing motions
• Exceptional research, writing, and interpersonal communication skills
• Current, active membership with the California State Bar
• An interest in working with natural resource and regulatory issues (experience in these areas is a plus)
• Willingness to relocate to Sacramento, if not currently local

What You’ll Get:
• Competitive salary and bonus potential
• Access to top-tier training, mentoring, and development opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid work environment with flexible remote options
• Relocation support for out-of-town candidates
• An environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to do their best work

How to Apply:
If you’re ready to take the next step in your legal career and want to work in an environment that supports your professional growth in a cutting-edge niche practice, we want to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a recent writing sample to Maureen Cooper, Recruiting Director.

Downey Brand LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No telephone calls or email applications, please.

Submit Resume

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Mid-to Senior Level Associate Attorney – Complex Business Litigation

Date Posted: March 17, 2025

Downey Brand LLP is seeking a talented and driven mid-to-senior-level associate attorney to join our thriving Sacramento Litigation Group. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on a broad spectrum of complex business litigation matters across industries such as intellectual property, real estate, and construction litigation. Join our team and engage in high-stakes, impactful cases that challenge you to grow as a legal professional and advocate.

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Why This Role is a Great Opportunity

Variety of Sophisticated Litigation Work:
As a member of our respected litigation team, you will have the opportunity to handle a diverse range of cases. From intellectual property disputes to construction and real estate matters, you’ll be deeply involved in complex business litigation that spans industries and legal areas. This is an ideal position for an attorney eager to broaden their expertise and tackle multifaceted legal challenges.

Career Growth & Development:
At Downey Brand, we believe in empowering our associates to develop their skills and progress in their careers. You will receive robust training, direct mentorship from experienced litigators, and the chance to take on increasing levels of responsibility. This role will allow you to hone your litigation skills, including drafting motions, arguing law and motion matters, taking and defending depositions, and preparing for trials. Our collaborative environment will support your career trajectory and help you reach your full potential. Our associate base compensation is lockstep, determined by your class year, substantive experience, and geographic location. The salary for this role ranges from $167,000 – $185,000, with bonus consideration based on performance and productivity.

Work-Life Flexibility:
We offer a hybrid work environment with flexibility to work remotely part of the time, ensuring you can excel in your role while maintaining personal well-being.

Key Responsibilities:
• Draft, file, and argue motions in state and federal courts
• Take and defend depositions in complex business litigation matters
• Manage all aspects of discovery and law and motion practice
• Represent clients in negotiations, mediations, and other alternative dispute resolution processes
• Contribute to business development initiatives and foster client relationships
• Work closely with senior attorneys to develop case strategies and manage complex litigation

What We’re Looking For:
• 3-5 years of experience in complex business litigation, including intellectual property, real estate, and construction litigation
• Substantial experience with law and motion practice, drafting motions, and handling discovery
• Strong public speaking and advocacy skills
• A distinguished academic record and excellent research, writing, and communication abilities
• Federal clerkship experience is a plus
• Active member of the California State Bar
• A proactive, team-oriented approach to case management and client relations

Compensation & Benefits:
• Competitive base salary and bonus potential
• Access to top-tier training, mentoring, and development opportunities
• Clerkship bonuses
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Hybrid work environment with flexible remote options
• Relocation bonus for out-of-town candidates
• An environment where all team members feel valued and empowered to do their best work

How to Apply:
If you are ready to advance your career in a firm that offers exciting litigation challenges and strong professional development support, we want to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter, resume, law school transcript, and a brief, recent writing sample that demonstrates your analytical skills through the firm’s web application.

Downey Brand LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No telephone calls or email applications, please.

Submit Resume

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